21 December 2023
For one last time this year we will shine a spotlight on the brilliant effort made by volunteers for all forms of cycling. We want to acknowledge the huge contribution volunteers make to the sport and recognise the wide variety of roles undertaken to activate, support, lead, and deliver at all levels.
Well done to those who have been nominated this month and sincere thanks go to all volunteers who have tirelessly given their time and energy to support people to get out cycling in 2023!
Name: Phil Ingham, Ted Sarmiento, Keith Finnett, Alison Kinloch, Richard Fenn, Andy Whitworth, Hayley Lomas, Nigel Middlehurst, Chris Young, Paul Hughes, Ian Taylor, Nigel Middlehurst, Richard Lebeter, Tony Wild, George Holland, Tony Jones, Ian Spencer, Darrell Bradbury, Mandy Parker, Tim Evans, Russ Gordon, Peter Charlton.
Region: Yorkshire
Role: Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Committee, race organisers, coaches
The members of this innovative and energetic committee are dedicated to developing cyclocross in the Yorkshire region. Their efforts ensure a popular and thriving cross community and a wide range of cycle sport and coaching opportunities for all ages and abilities. Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Association introduced the 'Limitless Line' at races this year - an alternative racing line for riders with a disability, allowing them to avoid hurdles, steps or other obstacles that would not otherwise allow them to participate. This has been well received and praised by riders and organisers.
Tom Wilson, Sport Developer West Midlands said: “The Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross scene is vibrant and sets the standard for others to follow. I love the idea of the 'Limitless Line' and will encourage organisers from my region to follow suit.”
Andy Akers, Sport Developer Yorkshire: “This is an example of a really hardworking committee who are passionate about developing the sport. Individually they bring skills and knowledge, but as a team they produce a gold standard series of races and opportunities through the year. The aim is to be inclusive and welcoming and they achieve this in every way..... Limitless Line, and women/girls coaching to racing sessions are just two examples of this."
British Cycling values: Unity, Passion, Integrity, Innovation
Name: Tim Harris
Region: East Midlands
Role: Sign on at Leicestershire Cyclo-Cross League, Accredited Marshal
Tim is always a smiling face in the signing on tent, whatever the weather! In addition to this he is a very active Accredited Marshal in the region, with a willingness to step in to support at short notice as well as fulfil Lead Marshal duties on occasion.
He was involved in the reinvigoration of the Leicestershire Cyclo-Cross League and has been a constant presence in the signing-on tent from the very first event. He is always willing to have a chat and offer some encouragement about the racing ahead. Furthermore, Tim has a tendency to take new volunteers under his wing and show them the ropes both at the Cyclo-Cross league and as an Accredited Marshal during the road race season. This is fundamental in ensuring volunteers more generally feel part of it and confident in what they are doing!
British Cycling values: Passion, Integrity
Name: Andy Humberston
Region: East Midlands
Role: Commissaire
Andy has been a regular commissaire at Road & Cyclo-Cross events and even if he isn't booked as a commissaire he will still volunteer to be a marshal or any capacity you might need him in. His approachability and wit make him popular with all age categories but especially great with the under 12's and youth riders as he is a constant at races and they feel comfortable to ask him questions as do the parents, putting everyone at ease. He always uses a common-sense approach to things. He is always on hand and if he doesn't know the answer, he will make sure he finds out! He goes above and beyond in everything that he does and has come to the rescue many a time when volunteers have been thin on the ground. A pleasure to have around and an absolutely invaluable member of any team. He will also look at how things can be improved and is always there to offer advice.
Louise Hughes, British Cycling Community Coach: “Andy is friendly, committed, hardworking, reliable, approachable, the list goes on. You can't walk with Andy at an event without someone saying hello to him, he has friends in all corners of cycling, both young and old. I know in particular although he is great with the younger riders, he has a great rapport when officiating at women's races, chatting to riders, putting them at ease if it’s their first race, happy to offer advice and will always listen to queries. His happy go lucky approach certainly makes for a relaxed start line or pit zone!”
